Artificial Pancreas May Improve Overnight Control of Diabetes in Adults

Artificial Pancreas May Improve Overnight Control of Diabetes in Adults: New trial studies show suggest that an artificial pancreas, also known as closed loop insulin delivery could advance overnight blood glucose control. The studies also show a reduction in nocturnal hypoglycemia, which is a sudden drop of blood glucose levels in the night for patients who have Type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes is a very common illness among the population. Just alone, the United States has more than 26 million diabetic patients. Patients range from women to men, to small children. Diabetes does not pick and choose, it affects everyone. In today’s world, genetics has very little to do with whether or not a person becomes a diabetic. Although the risk factors are greater, with diabetes in an individual’s family history. Diabetes increases yearly and right now the illness stands at a rate of 3 percent of people developing diabetes yearly.

Those who have Type 1 diabetes know that it is no secret that, in order to control diabetes, insulin must be administered. It is a life-long process and while medical science has made some pretty amazing diabetic breakthroughs, it is a pattern that must completed on a daily basis. In order for blood glucose levels to be controlled, a person must use insulin. While this is a common annoyance to those with type 1 diabetes, it is not uncommon for patients to make the best of it and take their insulin. However, when it comes to the night, patients are sleeping. A common problem occurs during the night with many patients, a drop in glucose levels known as hypoglycemia.

Due to the growing issues, researchers have made advances to try and keep those glucose levels maintained. The development of a closed loop insulin delivery, also known as an artificial pancreas has become the answer to so many health issues that result from low blood glucose levels. A closed loop insulin delivery system automatically records insulin dose judging by glucose levels, which are detected by a sensor. Through studies, the system has proven effective on teens and children alike. However, the effect the system has on adults remains unknown.

This trial study was led by Roman Hovorka of the University of Cambridge, who instructed a team of researchers. It consisted of two studies, so that comparison and efficiency of the overnight closed loop insulin delivery with conventional insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes could be completed.

Within this trial 24 adults (10 men and 14 women) between the ages of 18 and 65 were studied upon. Every patient has used insulin pump therapy for the previous three months.

Glucose levels increased by 28 percent, with overnight patients who were using the closed loop insulin delivery.

Through this study, evidence was provided that help to prove that an overnight closed loop delivery can work both safely and effectively to help patients sleep better without have their glucose levels drop in the night.

Researchers of this study admit that the closed loop delivery, “may in the future allow more flexible lifestyles in conjunction with improved glycemic control for people with type 1 diabetes.”